At a Glance
- Saro Spadaro is an Italian entrepreneur and president and CEO of The Maho Group, headquartered in Sint Maarten.
- His work combines hospitality, real estate development, and international tourism.
- He believes artificial intelligence should enhance, rather than replace, human interaction.
- Long-term planning, operational execution, and responsible growth are central to his business philosophy.
- The Maho Group continues to expand through projects that combine hospitality, destination development, and community integration.
Who is Saro Spadaro?
Saro Spadaro has spent more than twenty-five years developing hospitality and real estate projects across the Caribbean. As president and CEO of The Maho Group, he leads a company headquartered in Sint Maarten that develops, markets, and manages resorts, residential communities, and tourism-related destinations.
After graduating in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Saro Spadaro built his career in the Caribbean, where he has focused on combining long-term investment strategies with operational management and hospitality services.
Today, The Maho Group’s portfolio includes properties such as Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Casino Royale, Diamond Casino, AquaMarina, BlueMarine Residences, BlueMarine Villas, Maho Village, and Royal Islander Club La Plage and La Terrasse.
Why Innovation Requires a Long-Term Perspective
For Saro Spadaro, innovation is not simply about adopting new technology. It is about building organizations that can evolve while maintaining consistency in service quality and operational standards.
Within the hospitality industry, artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant developments in recent years. According to Saro Spadaro, its greatest value lies in helping businesses become more efficient, more responsive, and better equipped to personalize the guest experience.
He also believes hospitality companies should rethink their digital presence, ensuring that online platforms are prepared to support more intelligent interactions while remaining easy for guests to navigate.
Technology Should Support People, Not Replace Them
Despite his interest in emerging technologies, Saro Spadaro continues to view human relationships as the foundation of hospitality.
Artificial intelligence can improve operational performance, simplify processes, and provide valuable insights, but the guest experience ultimately depends on people.
For this reason, technology should strengthen hospitality teams by giving them better information and more efficient tools rather than replacing personal interaction.
Among the operational areas where AI can contribute are
- predictive maintenance of hospitality infrastructure;
- inventory optimization for food and beverage operations;
- more efficient energy management;
- improved housekeeping and cleaning processes;
- stronger coordination of day-to-day hospitality operations.
These improvements help reduce waste, increase efficiency, and support more sustainable tourism operations.
Building Hospitality Around Places and Communities
The Maho Group’s business philosophy extends beyond property development.
Its projects are designed to integrate with their surroundings while supporting the communities in which they operate. This approach combines architectural quality with long-term destination development and reflects the company’s emphasis on environmental responsibility alongside business growth.
The group also supports local initiatives through partnerships, charitable contributions, and volunteer activities, reinforcing its connection with the communities of Sint Maarten.
Leadership During Times of Change
Saro Spadaro’s approach to leadership became particularly visible following Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Rather than managing the crisis remotely, he remained in Sint Maarten to coordinate evacuation efforts and support reconstruction activities.
The experience reinforced a leadership philosophy centered on accountability, direct involvement, and the ability to make timely decisions under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saro Spadaro?
Saro Spadaro is an Italian entrepreneur and president and CEO of The Maho Group, a hospitality and real estate company based in Sint Maarten.
What does the Maho Group do?
The Maho Group develops, markets, and manages resorts, residential communities, and tourism-related projects across Sint Maarten.
What is Saro Spadaro’s view on artificial intelligence?
Saro Spadaro believes artificial intelligence should improve operational efficiency and guest experiences while preserving the human relationships that define hospitality.
Why is Sint Maarten closely associated with Saro Spadaro?
Sint Maarten is home to The Maho Group and represents the center of Saro Spadaro’s business activities in hospitality, tourism, and real estate.
What principles guide The Maho Group?
The Maho Group focuses on long-term development, integration with local communities, environmental responsibility, and high-quality hospitality projects.
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